Shocks to Expect When Visiting North Carolina
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting North Carolina. This southeast coastal state is known for the Outer Banks and Asheville, but there are a whole lot of cool things in between! As with any travel destination, there are many surprises in store for North Carolina visitors. If you’re thinking about planning a North Carolina vacation, don’t be surprised at these “shocks.”
North Carolina Mountains
A lot of people picture the Outer Banks when they think of North Carolina, but there are more than beaches in the Tar Heel State. There are a surprising amount of mountains and beautiful views once you head inland in North Carolina. You’ve got the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, and the Appalachian Mountains. Each season brings new beauty, from spring flowers to fall colors.
Of course, that means there are tons of recreational opportunities as well. Mountains, waterfalls, and rivers are just some of the best things to see in North Carolina!
The Outer Banks Experience
The Outer Banks experience is a shock for many first-time visitors. It’s such a beautiful destination, with gorgeous beaches and quaint little beach towns. You’ll also see cool lighthouses, wild horses, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. (It can also be shockingly crowded, so book ahead!)
What Not to Do in the Outer Banks
The Asheville Experience
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a popular destination in North Carolina. It’s a very laid-back, socially progressive town with great boutiques, food, live music, and beer. It has rapidly grown from a small town to a mid-size city and with that, there are some growing pains such as crime rates and shady characters that come out at night. But with the Biltmore Estate and surrounding mountain activities, we still love visiting Asheville.
Driving in North Carolina
North Carolina is the heart of Nascar country, but it’s still a shock how fast they drive in North Carolina. It can be a bit nerve-wracking how fast they come up on you, especially if you’re not exactly sure where you are going. If you’re not racing along with them, make sure you stay to the right so they can pass you safely.
North Carolina Furniture
High Point North Carolina is the furniture capital of the world. A combination of easy access to lumber and transportation put North Carolina on the furniture manufacturing map over 100 years ago and it continues to be a huge industry for the state. The High Point Market is like Disneyland for furniture aficionados!
Lines at Bojangles
Bojangles is a fast-food chain known for its fried chicken and biscuits. They were started in Charlotte, North Carolina so it’s kind of a big deal here. Even though there are over 800 locations in 15 states, you’ll still wait in a pretty long line if you hit a North Carolina Bojangles at rush hour.
Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate was completed in the late 19th century and is a major attraction in Asheville. It’s a legit castle and it’s gorgeous, both inside and outside. There are dozens of different tours you can take, and you can even spend the night at several different accommodation options on the grounds of the estate.
The real shock, though, is the sticker price of visiting Biltmore! Entry ticket prices vary seasonally, so in the off-season of January through March, it’s $69 per person. In the busy spring months of April and May, when the gardens are in full bloom, expect to pay $89 per person! If you want to visit Biltmore at Christmas? Over $100.
College Basketball in North Carolina
We typically think of the South as football country, but in North Carolina, they are crazy about basketball. Michael Jordan went to high school and college in North Carolina and is part owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team. Basketball is a big deal here; don’t get involved in any rivalry discussions and definitely don’t take sides in mixed company! If you can get tickets to a college game in North Carolina, don’t pass up the opportunity!
North Carolina Cuisine
There is some pretty great food to come out of North Carolina. For starters, Krispy Kreme started here. Other tasty treats to try in North Carolina:
- North Carolina BBQ is different from BBQ from other areas; theirs is a vinegar-based sauce. Don’t forget the sides: hush puppies and cole slaw are a must!
- The Carolina Dog has coleslaw, onions, chili, and mustard. Those flavors combine for a shockingly good hot dog.
Besides the food, you might be surprised to see that Coca-Cola is not as widely available in North Carolina. You’re in Pepsi country now. Cheerwine is another drink you’ll see all over North Carolina; it’s a cherry-based cola and those who grew up in North Carolina love it!
You can find some really good beers in North Carolina as well, especially if you are in Asheville. There are over 40 breweries in Asheville alone and the beer is so good! It must be the water.
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Don’t let these “shocks” keep you from planning a North Carolina vacation; it’s full of pleasant surprises. It’s such a diverse state, with mountains, beaches, and even a castle!
Want more tips for traveling through the Southern US? Check out some of our other blog posts: